1918-03-09 — Page 2

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T

THE RACECOURSE DISASTER.

SECOND DAY OF THE ENQUIRY,

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIO WORKS GIVES EVIDENCE.

COOKING OPERATIONS GENERALLY CONDEMNED AS UNSAFE.

The enquiry into the racecourse disas

ter was

and, of course, with the approval of continued at the Magistracy No ruy

Here I wright that yesterday. The whole of the morning Lituanies were submitted to too was", occupied in taking the evidence UE uyer for proved and that tace

were approved !—Aliery the Director or t'uone Works, Mr. W.

Cases Hot Buumitted to the Government Cuatnani, C.Mu, tu the alternoon. Air. A, no wright heau or Balding's Crosnance Limon, was recalled, and evi-

uro

certai

As a consequence of that the poles of Mr. Lo-Con you say for how long the matsheds, instead of restang on or these matsheds have been built by ano in the ground, rested on the planks 1-Yes man I cannot say. I do not know Mr. Wright told us yesterday that in now that they have been constructed by his opinion the cross bracing of poles one man except from hearsay made it Immaterial, whether they rested As far as your department is concerned on planke or on the ground. Do you there is no regulation, that the work agree with that-kes

should be given to one contractor --None.

You know that the old man i dend

I understand. from both you and Mr. Wright that except in the case of typhoons it does not really matter whether the poles are driven into the ground or not?

That is so

Mr. Wright said he did not think the I think you said that you have known matsheds would move unless they were the firm of contractors Sze Hop ever moved bodily by s typhoon? That is so since you came to the Colony. Do you Were you at the racecourse at the time know if there has been any change in the of the collapse-I was --

firm-Nove At that use there was only a light broca blowing nothing that could affect and that the work is carried on by the the sheds Nothing.

Mr. Wright also said that the earth son --I did not know. I saw the old quake shocks had no effect on the stability man a little time ago of the stands I don't know that I should care to go so far as that. Cer- tainly they would not do them any good. However, the structures are so elastic The Corner-The fact was that this that I would not expect them to suffer

damage. Your the Government proved the adop Did you see the stands collapse-I did sion of the present conuitions or letting douer was sisu given by mr, C. Mars, us using the us ne last year 1-Enet as not see the collapse. I saw them after

the

were you at the time-I was in Mr Leo d'Almads-Can you tell me

tell me Wollapse. which of these conditions were not one of the buildings of the Jockey Club,

You did not feel any tremor at that time No. DENİ

What was the first intimation you had of the collapse I saw it when I got out Bide

ide of the building.

Els buring inspector responsible for reporting upon the stainty of the

of the race

for approva

The Coroner-Whether they are driven into the ground or rest on the ground- They would never have be the round the ground in any case. That is never done, p

Mr. Lo-Do I understand that the poles,

Clube louvus, Gua by a paruer in se proved by the Government 1-Nos. 6, 7on the ground floor, earthquake are never driven into the ground f-In

fox contractors wad bulit the shes.

da umumtion to ve solicitors appearing ou the arst day, Mr. V. Steavenson

appearud for the jessces of the Unity

Бишаев, 4, 6 на к

26 CHATHAMS EVIDENCE. Mr. Wilnam Chatham, OMG., was the fist witnos called.

The Coroner-The strict legal position,

The Coroner-That means --They were not tormally submitted for the approval

of the Government whon ust adopted.

Mr, d'Amada-eerring to condizion

6, which rotates w covering the turf with wwws, the renison for the addition to

the previous regulation, i take it, is be cause you received certam representar tions from the Golf Club That is sc

The saine remark applies to Kegulation 87-106, and also, to

I tuku at that clauses § 7 and 8 verr

H

no

מן

some cases perhaps a hole is dug into the ground and the pole inserted, but it is not usual

I understand as a point of fact that

d as a point of fa

some years ago it was the practice to pat all big poles some two or three feet into

all. the ground Then it was of no value at

After the stands had collapsed would not the poles remain standing if they had been stuck into the ground-Except for the giving way of a floor no collapse would have occurred if the poles had remained standing.

Inderstand, is that no building can added on account of representations by smoke-Not immediatelyke You would not raise any objection to

be erected until an application for per To erectus vecu Iúgae in a

Blom term and mus been submitted you and & pa nas son submitted all approved C.-That is 0.

Gou have no legal power to dispose with that procedure -40.

zut in practice you to disponse with. itet 18 60.

the

the Golf Club -- Yes,

The Coroner-Wers made in writing |--Ies,

Mr. d'Aluiada When were the repre sentations indo-In December, 19)1.

Would it be convenient for you to pro to this duce the correspondence Datter -Oh, y

be

all the sheds being built as one structura i

No

Don't you think if they had been built separately the collapac might have been

You heard a noise, didn't you?-No, the building where i was as it between the time of

How long was

Vas it. the collapse and the time you saw iti- I should not imagine it was more than one or two minutes at the very most.

When you first saw the collapse of the matsheds did you see any sign of fre or

How soon did you see fire or PASOVA quarter or half a minute afterwards

Did you notice from what part of the matshes the fire care? In the

s centre, somewhere about No 14, I think

From your position you could only the front of the matsbeds? That is so.

Do you think it possible that fire may confined to one stand? No, because the Looking at these conditions as a whole have occurred underneath some of the sheds were contiguous and none of them do you consider that any person was more distant matsheds without it being would be strong enough to sustain the in your opinion the present law is buys a site of this particular land would visible from the gran-istand-It was collapse of the adjoining shed.

bound

In the light of the present experience on the Ine Crown Bolicitor with referenca doubtedly by these conditions -Un circumstantially stated to me

better for the sheds to have been separate to section, so whach retorence has

You know, do you not, that the party ground that fire was proceeding before don't you think it would have been

the collapse occurred. bocu mage, it buys that it is not lawful who purchase the site signs no particular

Coroner Someone

you fly built it there was a decided space to commence any building or to repair contract with regard to the same The information was given to me by a between each abed, yea OFF CONSLYUEL Bny existing building signs something, I imagine. I presume distinguished citizen here He said that Tust means that you could not add he signs some.ning which is in the bands a man who was standing on the race scrow to a house or pus in a pane of glass of the auctioneers. are underwrong track opposite the matsheds had seen

an atraid you are

fire before the matsheds collapsed. submitting prank to the bulling Without

He re authority that would be the strict impression. He signs nothing. terpretation"

caves a certificate from the auctioneers That would mean that plans would and goes to the P.W.D. for a permit have to be sudited BLES

oy an audio. Do you consider that Schedule H of the rised architect les

rubric Health and Buildings Ordinace And also a block plan would have to applies to these matsheds It does a

suppose you have made a searching The distance from other buildings.

Not having applied the law in this matter? I have not. I thought it wiser particular case, schedule would not be not to in view of this enquiry applicable to these matsheds Schedule Have any irregularities been brought His applicable except in so far as exempto your knowledge? None,

With regard to the regulations under

10

The

told

Mr. Bowley continuing Have you ceived any report or information to show that any of the sale conditions were not complied with with the exception, per- hapa, of the one relating to gambling No.

The fact of their being separate struc tures would not have made any differ ancs-I do not think so.

Would it have been easier to stay the spread of firo if the sheds had bean separately built? Oh, no.

Can you tell us whether any struta or supports were used in connection with the sheds-I cannot tell you anything

about that.

be submitted showing the neighbouring great measure. It does not in reg departmental enquiry into the whole in cne Ordinance, no special regulations

struts and the building on a scale of one inen to 60 feet1-That is so, "

1 think you will agree that the dean

tion

building inciznes matsheds it undoubtedly does.

Apart from the regulations contained have been made by yourself at all With regard to the construction of matsheds,

Do

You would have had the power to make

Although it would seem rather curious tion is granted as to próximity to buhedule, H havo any breaches of these rules and regulations in regard to the

that under Section 200 special provisioning. Coroner questand your regulations been brought to your know. construction of theso sheds Conditions

to matsheds Yes,

do not

Mr. d'Almada My point is that Schedule H has been over-ridden by the issue of these regulations. Having issued those conditions Schedule II does

Schedule II does not come in at all

The Coroner--I follow you.

is made with rage that 13:50 point, Mr. d'Almasla.i

I do not

know whether fair to ask if you remember what the intention was when this Ordinance was passed f--The position is that nataleds ere included under the definition of building in the original Ordinance of 1889 ***

That Ordinance was superseded by the present Ordinance, the main of but of which was the sanitary improve ment of the City of Victoris and other popalons districte. My attention was centred on that matter, and the fact that matsbeds were still included in the de Anitira

building escaped, my notice

requirements of The compliance with the the Ordinance in respect to mataheds hus bever been insisted upon."

pure

any

could have been fuerted, a

The Crown Solicitor-Would it be possible to obtain the information about the fire starting before the collapse to which you have referred ?—It was the General Officer Commanding who men- tioned the matter to mo. He saw the man who made the statement, but he regreta be did not ask the man's name,

The question of cooking arrangements at those matsheds has not been under the

would rouer-The members of the jury

think you can get poles up to about 40

To what height can you get poles 1-1

in connection with these sheds No, in connection

We have been told that all the sheds

erected .S were really

one structure Mr. Wright, told us that he had no objec tion to that form of construction !--I was not aware, whether there was one struc- Mr. d'Almado My: Wright stated tans or separate structures,ture have

Schedule yeterday that Section 5 of this

Assuming it was one applied to matcheds-I always re you any objection to that form of con garded the regulations as applying exstruction No, I don't think I have

ever- raised any cept in so far as they were modified hy

objection.

consideration of the authorities 1—No... permission to erect

to erect the matsheds within

Have you formed any theory regard closer proximity than

like to know if the matabeds are building patty yards to anothering the cause of the collapse-I have

Four opinion on Coroner In your opinion a

section 25

is your

on the subject constructed to a certain height whether is applied to matshods t-Year Anything with regard to that must be the inching of poles in necessary 1-Un-

esdoubtedly, peop d'Almada May task, Mr.

surmise of course. As the structures. how long you have been in this have been erected year after year for so As far as you know would be in Colony Close on 28 years. TKANANEE

it was the ham, h

years without any Bection is concerned No. 5 I do not know whether you have conscription, cecurring in connection with feet in length. Pergies A

matsheds of 20 years ago, but if you have them, and as they stood the test on if the definition had been noticed it would were all you will remember that they first day's racing and also stood the test used on these matsheds-Not as a rule:

I wonder

of one floor I

Do you know the length of polcs that Baw matsheds during the prominent race on the

MUR 50 and more years ago, but I cannot recall second day, i cannot understand why the are used 1--I should any poles about 20 or anything as regards their height. fact that as a rule there is no superviAt the time you received representa was done to weaken some part of being read over he added, in connection

collayan should occur unless something 30 feet long.

the When Mr. Chatham's evidence WAR sion of the erection of matsheds generally tions from the Golf Club did you make shed. in the Colony-That is

enquiries as to whether by substituting Don't you think that that something with guarding the turf of the golf course In the case of the matsheds on the race 6, 7 and 8 for the previous regulations might possibly have been the outbreak of that under the Wong Nei Cheong Becres course, however, it hine boom the practice e stability of the matsheids would be a fire giving rise to a panic That is ation Ground regulations the duty of the

quite possible explanation. for your Building Authority to inspan affected I had no occasion to make

quiries

I know perfectly well

Were you satisfied that all the duties Preservation of the ground was vested in

him, the of four star who and anything to do them every year? Yes

I take it that has been done with a stability would not be affected.

The enquiry was then adjourned for view, to protect the public-That is so These regulations were made without with these matsheds were properly car titin

The same contracter has put up the the knowledge of the Government-They ried out I have every confidence in matsheds for a number of years-Yes. were made by me as the proper authority. the overseer who was in charge of that

Are you or other amusements do you generally direct the Fire Brigade to be present - Mr. Wright

intention that matsheds cluded under the word building sa

18

The Coroner Your impression is that have been revised Yes

The Crown Solicitor-1

1 believe

the Do you think poles of that length are

Can you say for how many years at When mat beds are erected for theatres district way in which afternoon, and, in reply to questions by

has been the practice to inspect these mataheds Ever since the introduction of

the new Ordinance. I enty since of anything before that. Certainly 1903

knowledge

So that the Police, as a departmental

with

Quite rried out his

duties

Is it a fact that there are no instrace tions whatever with regard to the height of these matsheds? That is so

In your opinion the contractor the racecancerning these matsheds on Eways or staircases? He knew that the Sze Hop firm had been

as much about the construction and safety of matsheds as your own inspector? Speaking generally, I think they know

Anyone 89

Стоид

deat

By Mr. Leo d'Aimada-Have you heard that the old proprietor of the Sze Hop firm has died and that the work is now carried on by his son I heard that a few days ago a few days after the fre

MR. WRIGHT RECALLED,

Mr. AE. Wright, was recalled in the

Mr. Bowley, he stated that he had axamined the site of the matsheds since matter, would not be cognisant of the

the collapse. The site ho considered was a satisfactory, foundation for the No complaints ever been brought existence of such theatres-They must to your notice regarding bernous

You were in a position to make any sheds He had inspected the sheds writing serious ba know. They have patrole all over the

were still standing and he work-Never you

place. They see the places erected and conditions you chose with regard which

was satisfied with their construction. The Do you consider that the Chinese com believe, in many cases applications for matcheds--Yet to the tractors have great knowledge regarding permission to erect are referred to them. You made no such conditions with Club Lusitano matshed had three stories As a matter of course, I take it to regard to height, accommodation, en- and the Palace Hotel matshed two stories. ths construction of matshed? They cer tainly

notice is given to possess wonderful

to the Police about the trances or oils, regulations

No and ingenuity in construction.

engaged from time to time in shoring up no provisions with regard buildings and the work had always been am not aware

that they were sent any notice

to precautions against fire-No. The done satisfactorily Bowley-The matshed contractors matcheds, of course, were occupied dur No artificial gut a Hou have done a great deal of work ing the daylight..

tho Government in

was not aware that any the past? A great was needed. I was not of work, yes,

cooking operations were carried on. Have you known them as ratahed con- In previous years do you know if there tractors ever since you came to the was cooking I have never, to my

Mr. Lo-Do you agree with Mr In addition to building z Colony 1-Yea

Enowledge, gone inside the matsheds. *

Chatham that it the sheds were built matsheds of all | The Coroner Have you ever heard of have

them as contractors. cooking being done there Never separately it would make no difference as for scaffolding Yes.

Mr Bowley continuing Is the Build to their stability or lessen the risk of Have they done very heavy scaffolding Authority responsible for the licens damage by fire-Yes. There is one pas-

ing ing of

permanent and temporary sihility that if a shed in the centre was y to fall straight forwards or backwards,

plied the law to these matsheds, I take Since the collapse have you inspected ing the number of persons the building contingency. As regards are there would theatres you have to be satisfest regard the other sheds, but it in a very remote it that you did not consider it necessary ta pais out these building a proper the two matched standing, those of the is licensed to accommodate-That is so not be the slightest difference

the Palace

Hotel f Protokola Thave woGHT OR Thd it not occur to on the racecourse being condemned by buildings for people to go into They Lusitano Club and the

as to the

1mber of fire buckets Have you had experience of matsleda be were not certified

Do you matusfied with the regulations to these matsheds Northe reports of your inspectors -Hover. The Coroner ***

nor --- Certified means! - It having been means that theted in compliance P

were not certified those matsheds ?--- Yenede sheds were not analogous to a theasContractors have been requested to stiffen

Prior to the addition of the new ro

up certain tinngs and it has Elways hoen with the Ordinances degulations regarding the golf aren was it? What is the difference between people done sometimes a particular piece of

Mr. le d'Almada Did you receive found that the arection of the matsheds attending in a matted to see a horse any written con

reports from the Inspectors and the crowds using them cut up the race and people attending to see a then on to the condition of these mataheds- tar particularly the people walk

trical performance? Theatrical

course that damage would bo

Mr. Gedgo-All the

the matsheds Land are they not? Not all The mistaheds that were burned were on Crown Land-Yes by the Government

sites are sold by the hout the consent or any knowledge ( the part of the Jockey Clu? That is so

in the

The

on

sorta

You

known

wish has nothing to deleThey must have done

at all

has no

/0108anes HER de la data you remember 14 Unde

Mr. Leo d'Almada Not having ap- of

N of their

They do not come to me.

With regard to the conditions of let

ever had reason to complain theatres gallations with regard to I absolutely in line, it might fall without

Also ded!.

Diances are

when

to apply these you

racing has been considered not as strong

very generally held Perforas it might be, but the matsheds havo

I take it they are approved by you of Stater in wet weather - Yenning.They are generally held

never been condemned.

Are there any regulations 88 regards materials! —No regulations,

It is amply a question of the Insp

The Bro a number of very old stand-up the home Prevent that damage you enclosed building with some limited exit tor's discretion as to whether he repor

Beveral were, amended, or added ing with my approval. Guel Bo that the whole of these conditions

were passed out with your final approval

st night great deal of artificial light is -in-an In order to

condition that all the turf These mataheds were for use in the day be covered with planks 1-Yes. Simeon should

time only and were open back and front The whole of

the are between the The Coroner-Have they exits at the fences and the racecourse had to be from you would escape from them boarded over Yea

You could jump out or side down.

the matcheds strong enougs or notl+It is not so much discretion as knowledge. and experienon Heusen bi certainly